How many years needed to close the global gender economic gap?

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The Global Gender Economic Gap Will Take 135 Years to Close

It is estimated that at the current rate of progress, it will take 135 years to close the global economic gender gap. This projection is part of a broader analysis by the World Economic Forum (WEF) which also indicates that the overall global gender gap will take 123 years to close, and the political empowerment gap will require 162 years. These figures highlight persistent systemic barriers that hinder women's advancement despite progress in education and workforce participation.
Current Representation of Women in Leadership

Globally, women constitute 41.2 per cent of the workforce but hold only 28.1 per cent of leadership positions. This disparity is particularly pronounced in high-growth sectors. For instance, while women comprise nearly one-third of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, they account for merely 14 per cent of leaders in these fields.
Recent Trends Show a Regression

Recent data indicates a concerning decline in leadership parity. The share of women appointed to new senior leadership roles peaked at 34.8 per cent in 2022 and has since decreased for three consecutive years, reaching 32.8 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. Similarly, board appointments for women have fallen from 17.2 per cent in 2020 to 14.2 per cent in 2024.
Economic and Societal Implications of the Gap

The WEF's Global Risks Report 2026 noted that industries with more gender-balanced workforces exhibit greater resilience during economic downturns and improved leadership continuity and talent retention. Addressing the gender gap is therefore presented not just as a matter of fairness but as a strategic and economic imperative, essential for fostering economic growth, business dynamism, and societal resilience by leveraging the full potential of the entire population.

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How many years needed to close the global gender economic gap?

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